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Here is my latest blog entry on the 2011 Singapore Super Series. Some of the match footage features one of Canada's upcoming talents, Michelle Li! There is some footage in HD (720) as well! Please enjoy and thank you all for your support!

I watched Michelle Li play in the Sudirman Cup, She is a great player she beat the girl from Hong Kong in straight games. I have to say I didn't expect that one. I have head about her in Canada by word of mouth, I don't know much about her. I would like things about her like: Where does she train, When did she start playing, Does she have a boyfriend :P , Is she 100% Chinese or half Chinese, where was she born, how old is she? can you update me?

Here is my latest blog entry on the 2011 Singapore Super Series. Some of the match footage features one of Canada's upcoming talents, Michelle Li! There is some footage in HD (720) as well! Please enjoy and thank you all for your support!http://towbsss.blogspot.com/2011/06/...art-ii-of.html

Very interesting reading towbsss.
Any fan pondering players' inconsistent results by scanning game stats on tournament software would do well to read your blog.

Your story shows that results aren't just about the amount of training or desire. It's also about the crazy jetlagging economy plane rides; the noisy low-end lodgings; the scramble for food, sleep, taxis, and practice space; language and cultural adjustment; and -- not least of all -- the constant niggling worry of money.

You are very lucky to be traveling the world following your ambition. But the next time I am tempted to feel disappointed by a Canadian's early exit at a big tournament, I'll remember that they very well might have arrived at a sweltering stadium with two hours sleep and a belly full of street food.

I watched Michelle Li play in the Sudirman Cup, She is a great player she beat the girl from Hong Kong in straight games. I have to say I didn't expect that one. I have head about her in Canada by word of mouth, I don't know much about her. I would like things about her like: Where does she train, When did she start playing, Does she have a boyfriend :P , Is she 100% Chinese or half Chinese, where was she born, how old is she? can you update me?

I'm not at liberty to say really, as I don't like to share other people's personal information, but you can check out her profile on the Badminton Canada website. It's slightly dated though, so maybe things could have changed (I know some of my things have changed since then :P)

Very interesting reading towbsss.
Any fan pondering players' inconsistent results by scanning game stats on tournament software would do well to read your blog.

Your story shows that results aren't just about the amount of training or desire. It's also about the crazy jetlagging economy plane rides; the noisy low-end lodgings; the scramble for food, sleep, taxis, and practice space; language and cultural adjustment; and -- not least of all -- the constant niggling worry of money.

You are very lucky to be traveling the world following your ambition. But the next time I am tempted to feel disappointed by a Canadian's early exit at a big tournament, I'll remember that they very well might have arrived at a sweltering stadium with two hours sleep and a belly full of street food.

Yeah, it's really a huge difference when you are traveling on your own, or maybe with just your partner. We have to book flights, hotels, and everything on our own, though Badminton Canada does help with tournament requests and sending our travel information to the tournament organizers. Unless it's a big event (any Games event, any major team event, and maybe World Championships), we're pretty much on our own. It does really change you as a person though, because you are very much accountable for what you do. A lot of us pull double duties, some help with going to the manager's meetings, some try to coach a fellow Canadian team if possible, or even coming out to cheer for a fellow player/team. Especially when we're all traveling immensely this year, it's good to have everyone support each other. Even with the rivalries with funding issues and little things that some players do that annoy other players, I would say we all get along pretty well. I guess deep down, though we may be different people, our goals are very similar this year and it's much more economical to work together than apart. Hmmm, maybe I will write up something on this after a bit more time. Who knows, maybe things might change?

Why you don't play the "Russia Open Grand Prix Gold?" I think you would have done very well in that tournament.

thecomedian, are you a member of the China national team by any chance ? you seem to know alot about the system operated in China badminton federation and been watching various tournaments matches.

Toby , I really enjoy reading your blog , it gives as an insight in to what professional players does and shown that you guys are just like one of us (the love of food !!!). It is interesting to know that there are little funding from badminton Canada and that the earning is relative small compared with other sports (even when yourself is in the top 25 in XD). It is so intriguing to know tat you have to watch your money .i.e. sharing hotel rooms and complaining about the cost of the taxis . ....I have to say the travelling look fantastic ...exploring the world. It must be great for you to meet other world classe players i.e. LJD /JJS and have a mutual respect

Look forward in reading the Indonesia Open Blog and your verdict on your XD matches against one of the top XD team in China

How difficult is it to get into the QF or the SF of a SS or SS premier , and is that the stages you are hoping to reach for the upcoming SS before the Olympic ....i.e to get those ranking points.

Also what do you think of those scratch teams that been put out by the top badminton nations i.e. China and Malaysia who are not seeded but are capable of winning ss titles, does that make those tournaments harder to past the first two rounds ?

Like you said only top 16 doubles team would qualify for Olympics , but since a nation can only put two teams out if both are in the top 8 , and that a nation can only put one team out if the 2nd of their team is outside the top 8. It means that a number of teams would be omitted. Therefore the targets would be about top 20 by the end of the qualification period to be in the Olympic , is that what you have in mind as well ?

How difficult is it to get into the QF or the SF of a SS or SS premier , and is that the stages you are hoping to reach for the upcoming SS before the Olympic ....i.e to get those ranking points.

Also what do you think of those scratch teams that been put out by the top badminton nations i.e. China and Malaysia who are not seeded but are capable of winning ss titles, does that make those tournaments harder to past the first two rounds ?

Like you said only top 16 doubles team would qualify for Olympics , but since a nation can only put two teams out if both are in the top 8 , and that a nation can only put one team out if the 2nd of their team is outside the top 8. It means that a number of teams would be omitted. Therefore the targets would be about top 20 by the end of the qualification period to be in the Olympic , is that what you have in mind as well ?

Don't forget this one: "Each continental association has at least one qualificant, but only if the pair is ranked 50 or above in the BWF ranking. (A NOC can only profit twice from this rule)"

thecomedian, are you a member of the China national team by any chance ? you seem to know alot about the system operated in China badminton federation and been watching various tournaments matches.

No, I am not a member of the Chinese National Team. But I am training with someone who was (or would have been if it wasn't for his bad heart). I am in the right circle of people for Chinese Badminton. I have what you call "关系" or "connections" with the right people. In China, "关系" is how the country is run pretty much. You can do anything and everything if you know the right people.

Why you don't play the "Russia Open Grand Prix Gold?" I think you would have done very well in that tournament.

Possibly, after looking at the entry list and everything it wouldn't have been a bad tournament to play (especially for our Women's Doubles teams ) but financially, it's probably quite costly to play that extra tournament.

To be honest, we are currently NOT funded by Canada, but are appealing the decision and hopefully things will be resolved at a hearing next week. It's tough because I'm a badminton player, not a lawyer...

Originally Posted by staiger

Toby,

How difficult is it to get into the QF or the SF of a SS or SS premier , and is that the stages you are hoping to reach for the upcoming SS before the Olympic ....i.e to get those ranking points.

Also what do you think of those scratch teams that been put out by the top badminton nations i.e. China and Malaysia who are not seeded but are capable of winning ss titles, does that make those tournaments harder to past the first two rounds ?

Like you said only top 16 doubles team would qualify for Olympics , but since a nation can only put two teams out if both are in the top 8 , and that a nation can only put one team out if the 2nd of their team is outside the top 8. It means that a number of teams would be omitted. Therefore the targets would be about top 20 by the end of the qualification period to be in the Olympic , is that what you have in mind as well ?

Historically, even making a QF is extremely difficult for Canadians. It is a goal we hope to achieve, but even breaking through the first round of a Super Series is something Grace and I have not done yet. Though the points aren't as good as winning an International Challenge, I think it would be a good breakthrough and give us more confidence if we were to do that. Though Singapore and Indonesia were our first attempts in a long time, I think we are still looking for that breakthrough win. Ideally, we would like to legitimately make it into the Top 16, but I guess it depends if we can get that breakthrough win soon enough. We always have the continental spot to fall back on at the moment, but that will not stop us from trying for a higher goal.

From an Olympic qualifying perspective, it does not matter too much whether scratch teams make it through, because all the teams in top countries are tough regardless, but for Olympic qualifying purposes, if they only have a team in the top 8, everyone else down the list is cut, and if they get 2 teams in the top 8, everyone else is cut, if they get more than 2 teams in the top 8, that's even better as everyone gets cut and other countries have less chances of qualifying 2 teams. Either way, there's really nothing I can do about it anyway, so I try not to worry about these things

Also, Indonesia SSP will be posted shortly... just uploaded all the videos. I'll have the MD QF between Ahsan/Septano [INA] vs Koo/Tan [MAS] and XD QF between Zhang/Zhao [CHN] vs Tao/Qing [CHN] as well.

Possibly, after looking at the entry list and everything it wouldn't have been a bad tournament to play (especially for our Women's Doubles teams ) but financially, it's probably quite costly to play that extra tournament.

I am not sure I understand why the government is not funding you properly. There are more people then the entire population of Canada that are funded AND paid and sponsored to train and play badminton for China. It just doesn't make any sense. They should at least fund you for transportation. You are representing your country. In China, I am the only foreigner here in the Guangdong circuit. FZ pays for me to travel to different matches around the province. I lose all the time :P but I am funded by FZ China. i still think you should search out companies that need global advertisement. Like "UPS" or some kind of phone or car company.

I am not sure I understand why the government is not funding you properly. There are more people then the entire population of Canada that are funded AND paid and sponsored to train and play badminton for China. It just doesn't make any sense. They should at least fund you for transportation. You are representing your country. In China, I am the only foreigner here in the Guangdong circuit. FZ pays for me to travel to different matches around the province. I lose all the time :P but I am funded by FZ China. i still think you should search out companies that need global advertisement. Like "UPS" or some kind of phone or car company.

Frankly, Canada doesn't really care if you represent the country unless you have some kind of podium potential at World Championships or the Olympics. As for corporate sponsors, I guess it'll be a matter of time. I'm hoping if I can get more exposure for the sport, then just MAYBE something can happen... no idea when though...

Frankly, Canada doesn't really care if you represent the country unless you have some kind of podium potential at World Championships or the Olympics. As for corporate sponsors, I guess it'll be a matter of time. I'm hoping if I can get more exposure for the sport, then just MAYBE something can happen... no idea when though...

The last match will be uploaded shortly, I forgot that I didn't have it uploaded yet.

That system in Canada does not make any sense. Do they not understand that for players to qualify for Olympics they would need large amount of funding in the first place. The sport government body have to put money in if they want to see more success on international front and success in the Olympics . The funding should be rationalize better between different sports and it is unfair for players who is representing their country needed to be self-funded .

When comparing with other national teams , Canada was placed in Level 2 of the Surdiman cup which included Hong Kong and they are entirely (mostly) funded by the government , with many high profile sponsors ...they have a team (tour manager , coaches , physios) paid by their sport government body that travel with the players ; and everything is organized for the players. My point is they make it easy for their players thus they dont have to worry about anything apart from winning on the court. Seeding wise Canada is not too far behind Hong Kong !

Anyway , lets hope you get some good draws for the SS and get (your breakthrough) into 1 or 2 QF/SF before the end of qualification periods as it would be a good experience ..

I think it's more interesting to know what Badminton Canada is doing. I mean only a few of our players qualify for minimal individual government funding at the moment by having reached round 3 of the Worlds last year which is only like $300 a month to cover some costs iirc (top 16 finish; top 8 finish = maximum funding but is still at most ~$1500; = %70 of minimum gross income >= 23y.o.). It's the federation that covered the cost for national team members and about a third of their annual income is generated by membership fees (annual contribution paid by all badminton players who are members of a club under the umbrella of the national federation which are pretty much all clubs in the country. I guess in turn the whole league system is run by the federation).
Ofcourse the four best single's players, whom you don't have to worry about , are no longer national team members due to sponsorship conflicts and are paying their own way as well, or I should say their main sponsor does at the moment and at least untill London.

~$1500 is based on the current exchange rate I must clarify, in real money it's about €1000 euro and it's 'at most" since it's basically just topping up any existing income you might have through work up to 70% of minimum gross income = same as being unemployed.

I guess I should also add another big part of the federation's income is government funding or more precisely through the national olympic commitee which get's a lot of money through the Lottery. Ofcourse with a small population this money pales in comparison to the likes of a UK/England's lottery funding which is practically paradise or so some critics have said .
But I guess it's still better to have a small population in a small country than a small population in a country the size of Canada's ...

Are you using two cams by the way? Just noticing the Singapore XD vid, game 1 is 4:3 480p and game 2 is 16:9 720p ...

Just seen your XD match at Indoniasia open against HHB/Yu Yang . I consider Yu as one of the best WD player in the world and she is as good as anybody in XD as well. This pair would be capable of beating any of the top 8 XD so the draw has not been too kind to you guys, but it was a nice match to watch and should not be too disapointed . I think you guys would learn from this experience and found areas that needed to be improve on .